"Members of a Congressional conference committee took a bold step to protect one of our most potent and cost-effective weapons against HIV and other blood-borne infections. In the 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the conferees repealed the ban of the use of federal funds to support syringe-exchange programs.

"Syringe exchange programs are a great success story in the struggle to control HIV. In New York City, exchange programs serve thousands of people each year and have played an important role in New York City's dramatic reduction in injection drug use-related HIV infections. By rejecting restrictions on the location of syringe exchange sites, while preserving appropriate safety measures, the conferees have done New York City - and the nation - a great service.

"I thank Congressman Jose Serrano for his work on this important issue. I also thank the many members of New York Congressional delegation who lent their support. And I encourage our Congressional representatives to insure the adoption during consideration of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010."